AxAdvocacy Welcomes Senior House Committee Staff Director Jack Ruddy as Senior Vice President of Government Relations

Washington, DC – AxAdvocacy, a leading public affairs and government relations firm, announced the addition of Jack Ruddy as Senior Vice President. Ruddy most recently served as Staff Director of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), where he led the largest committee in the House through one of the most consequential legislative periods for American infrastructure in recent history. 

“Jack Ruddy is one of the most respected and effective staff leaders on Capitol Hill,” said Ashlee Rich Stephenson, President of AxAdvocacy. “His deep policy knowledge, strategic instincts, and extensive relationships on both sides of the aisle make him an extraordinary asset to our clients. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Ax team.” 

During his 14 years of service on Capitol Hill, Ruddy held senior roles including Deputy Staff Director and Legislative Director to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves. As Staff Director, he spearheaded the Committee’s efforts to pass major bipartisan legislation including the $100 billion long-term FAA reauthorization bill, a comprehensive water infrastructure package, reforms to public buildings policy, and two Coast Guard authorization bills, all in a time of divided government and political gridlock. 

“No one understands the inner workings of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee better than Jack Ruddy,” said House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves. “His command of the issues, his relationships, and his strategic approach made him an invaluable leader on Capitol Hill, and I have no doubt he’ll excel in his next chapter.” 

Ruddy is widely known for his ability to build coalitions, navigate complex legislative landscapes, and drive impactful policy outcomes. He played a central role in securing a historic waiver that allowed Chairman Graves to serve a rare fourth term as Committee Chair and was instrumental in developing the strategic campaign that led to Graves’ election to the role. 



“I’m honored to join AxAdvocacy at such a pivotal and exciting moment for the firm,” said Jack Ruddy. “I’m ready to hit the ground running and put my Hill experience to work helping our clients break through the noise and take on today’s toughest policy challenges.” 

Ruddy holds a B.S. in Political Science from Hampden-Sydney College and is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. He lives in Alexandria, VA with his wife and two sons. 

About AxAdvocacy 

AxAdvocacy provides best-in-class public affairs and government relations services to clients across industries and geographies. With a team of experts drawn from federal agencies, Capitol Hill, national campaigns, Fortune 500 companies, and major trade associations, AxAdvocacy offers unparalleled insights and strategic guidance to help clients succeed in today’s evolving policy and political environment. 

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